12 Internships for High School Students in Oklahoma
Internships offer high school students a way to explore careers and gain experience outside of the classroom. Whether you're interested in healthcare, engineering, public policy, the arts, or another field, these programs allow you to step into professional spaces, build skills, and learn what it’s really like to work in your area of interest.
An internship can help you strengthen your resume and college applications, while also demonstrating initiative and helping you build a professional network in your chosen field. In this blog, we’ve rounded up 12 internship programs available to Oklahoma high schoolers.
Oklahoma is home to several major universities and industries that provide valuable learning opportunities. The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, for example, often host research-focused internships in fields like biomedical science, computer science, and engineering. At the same time, the state’s strong presence in energy, aerospace, and agriculture means there are internships available with companies and organizations leading in those sectors. If you're more creatively inclined, you’ll also find programs tied to museums, design studios, and performing arts institutions across cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa!
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year, vary by cohort
Dates: Multiple 8-12 week cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work 10–20 hours per week, for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective remote program that gives high school students the chance to work with startups and nonprofits from around the world. Built to support both academic and professional growth, the program blends experience with guided learning as you explore fields like technology, healthcare, business, sustainability, and more. Each intern is matched with a host organization and assigned a project aligned with that organization’s needs. You’ll receive mentorship from both your startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, and take part in group sessions focused on developing essential skills like communication and time management. With its flexible structure and wide range of industries, Ladder Internships offers high schoolers a strong foundation for career exploration, while also giving their college applications an impressive edge.
2. Fleming Scholars Program
Location: Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Stipend: $5,000
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: June 2 - July 25
Eligibility: High school seniors who are Oklahoma residents and are at least 16 years old
The Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars Program is an 8-week paid summer research opportunity for high school and college students interested in biomedical science. Hosted by the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), the program gives participants the chance to work one-on-one with senior scientists on independent research projects in active labs. From benchwork to writing and presenting your own abstract, you’ll explore what it’s like to contribute to research that could help advance treatments for human diseases. Alongside lab work, you’ll attend seminars, professional development workshops, and community-building events. Fleming Scholars also receive a range of perks, including free breakfast on workdays, gym access, and housing for those living more than 40 miles from OMRF. First launched in 1956, the program has trained generations of future researchers, and this could be your chance to join them.
3. OMRF: Teen Leader’s Program
Location: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), Oklahoma City, OK
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: Second Tuesday of each month from September to April
Eligibility: Students who will be in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school during the program year, at an Oklahoma high school
The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s Teen Leaders Program is a yearlong opportunity for Oklahoma high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to strengthen leadership skills, explore philanthropy, and gain a behind-the-scenes look at biomedical research. While not science-intensive, the program offers access to OMRF scientists and shows how research impacts lives. Across six monthly sessions, you’ll engage in workshops, team-building, and mentorship, while designing and hosting a student-led fundraising event. It’s a way to grow skills in leadership, communication, and community outreach. Ideal for students passionate about making a difference, this free program also helps you build your resume, expand your network, and explore how science and service intersect. Sessions are held at OMRF in Oklahoma City.
4. Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) of Oklahoma
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: TBA
Dates: This is a 3-year program. Students should expect to attend monthly meetings (8 hours/month), committee meetings (1-2 hours/week), and individual assignments (1-2 hours/week)
Eligibility: High school students
Launched in 2005 by the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, the Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) is a three-year,leadership program for Tulsa-area high school students. Designed as a lab, YPI equips you with the tools, mentorship, and space to become a thoughtful, action-driven philanthropist, regardless of background or experience. As part of a cohort of around 25 students, you’ll identify a pressing community need and lead the design and implementation of a long-term project to address it. From collaborating with local organizations to presenting your work to community leaders, you’ll gain a deep understanding of leadership, service, and social impact. YPI is intentionally student-led, giving you ownership over your learning and impact. With a monthly commitment of 15–20 hours, the program helps you grow beyond the classroom while giving you a platform to create real change.
5. Oklahoma City Zoo Volunteering
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Dates: 50 hours per year
Eligibility: Students aged 14-17; Individual volunteers must be at least 16 years old
The Oklahoma City Zoo offers a range of volunteer opportunities for students interested in wildlife, conservation, and community engagement. Whether you're assisting with guest experience, education programs, horticulture, or animal care, you'll play a part in daily zoo operations while helping connect visitors to the Zoo’s mission of conservation. For those looking for more flexible options, the Zoo also welcomes volunteers for one-time special events like seasonal celebrations, fundraisers, and community programs. It's a great way to get involved, support a meaningful cause, and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.
6. Shawnee Public Schools ICAP Internships
Location: Shawnee, Oklahoma
Stipend: Varies with internship pairing
Application Deadline: Available year-round
Dates: Varies with the role
Eligibility: High school students attending Shawnee Public Schools
Shawnee High School juniors and seniors have the chance to earn course credit while gaining experience through the school’s internship program, part of the district’s Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP) initiative. These internships allow students to explore career fields they’re genuinely interested in, from healthcare and law to veterinary services and manufacturing, by working with local businesses and organizations like Doggie Spot, SSM Health, and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. In addition to experience, students build essential soft skills like communication and professionalism that serve them well in any future path. Some internships are paid, and several students have even transitioned into part-time roles with their host organizations. Whether you’re refining your career goals or just starting to explore them, this program offers a practical and meaningful step forward.
7. Wallace Design Collective’s High School Internship Program
Location: Wallace Design Collective Office, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: This information is not available at the moment
Dates: Short-term, semester-long, and year-long internships are offered
Eligibility: High school students
The Wallace High School Internship Program gives students hands-on exposure to engineering, design, and landscape architecture through real-world projects and mentorship. Designed to inspire future STEM professionals, the program shows how classroom learning connects to tangible impact, whether drafting site layouts, reviewing zoning codes, or joining client meetings. Internships are offered in long-term and short-term formats. Long-term roles, ideal for students who’ve completed Algebra II, run through a semester or school year. Short-term options provide a condensed experience. Interns tour offices, train in software like Revit, review construction documents, and join field visits, all while working alongside experienced professionals. Offered through Wallace’s Tulsa office in partnership with local schools, the program is expanding nationwide. Whether students pursue STEM careers or simply gain career clarity, the experience fosters confidence, skill-building, and personal growth.
8. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles based on the cities they are in. Some virtual options are also offered
Cost/Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length
Application deadline: January (Fall session) | August (Spring session) | October (Summer session)
Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August)
Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen; Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale); Be a full-time student (high school through graduate level) or a part-time college-level student enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours; Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application (no exceptions)
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college students, with opportunities at NASA centers across the country and some remote placements. These internships allow students to actively contribute to NASA missions while exploring fields like science, engineering, technology, and space exploration. As an intern, you might support ongoing projects through tasks like data analysis, designing experiments, or assisting with communications and environmental research. You'll work alongside NASA scientists, engineers, and professionals across disciplines. High school students can explore and filter opportunities tailored to their level through NASA’s official internship portal.
9. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Dates: June 17 - August 9
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11-12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply
Offered by one of the world’s leading universities, this internship gives high school students the chance to dive into research and collaborative projects across fields like science, technology, design, and the humanities. Students typically dedicate 30–40 hours per week, working alongside Stanford faculty and industry professionals. The program combines academic exploration with practical experience, helping participants build both subject knowledge and essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. With personalized mentorship and access to Stanford’s academic network, students walk away with experience that supports college readiness and future career paths.
10. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore
Location: Virtual and in-person options. The in-person program will be held at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology on the East Baltimore campus
Stipend: In-person participants receive an hourly stipend (amount varies), while virtual interns receive a stipend of $500
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: 8 weeks, June - August (in-person); 5 weeks, July - August (virtual)
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week, virtual program; Juniors and seniors residing in Baltimore City and the metro area, who have a strong passion and interest in science and medicine, are from underrepresented groups, and have an academically strong background are eligible for the in-person program
This is an 8-week, fully funded summer research opportunity designed to make the field of neurological sciences more inclusive and representative. It is specifically aimed at high-achieving high school students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in exploring neuroscience. Throughout the program, students engage in research under the mentorship of leading scientists at Johns Hopkins University. Interns participate in projects, attend scientific seminars, join discussions, and take part in weekly sessions focused on personal and professional growth. They also have the chance to connect and interact with renowned neuroscientists at JHU. For students unable to attend in person, the program also offers a virtual option. Each year, 5–6 students are selected to participate, receiving an hourly stipend along with coverage for transportation costs. At the conclusion of the program, participants present their research in the form of an oral or poster presentation. You can explore examples of past projects to get a sense of the work involved.
11. EnergyMag Research Internship
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Open year-round
Program Dates: Flexible schedule
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 3.25 or higher and enrollment in at least one honors-level science or English course
The EnergyMag Research Internship is a remote opportunity for high school students interested in renewable energy and sustainability. This flexible internship allows students to strengthen their research and analytical skills through guided, independent projects. Interns work on topics such as evaluating emerging technologies, assessing niche energy markets, or profiling companies within the renewable energy industry. Each intern is matched with a mentor who provides feedback and support throughout the experience. Students gather information from industry sources, analyze data, and produce detailed reports. Final reports are published on the EnergyMag website, allowing students to showcase their work to a wider audience. This program is ideal for self-motivated students eager to explore clean energy solutions and gain research experience.
12. Junior Curator Program
Location: Oklahoma City Zoo, Oklahoma City, OK
Cost: $15 for a required uniform shirt
Application Deadline: Specific deadlines announced each spring
Program Dates: October through August
Eligibility: Open to students aged 14–17
The Junior Curator Program at the Oklahoma City Zoo offers teens an opportunity to support daily zoo operations while enhancing the visitor experience. Participants assist with a variety of responsibilities, including welcoming guests, answering questions, and leading interactive activities using educational materials and animal artifacts. Behind the scenes, Junior Curators also contribute to animal care by helping prepare diets, cleaning enclosures, and creating enrichment items. Volunteers may support horticulture and housekeeping efforts through tasks like planting, weeding, and maintaining exhibit areas. Additional opportunities include assisting with special events and helping the education team with crafts, animal care, and research projects. This is an excellent program for students interested in animal science, environmental education, or conservation work.